I seem to be developing a bit of a “make do and mend” theme here but I figure that’s OK. There probably aren’t many people who are lucky enough to have the budget to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe each season and I take great satisfaction in re-working pieces, adding in just a few key pieces each season and combining them with some sale shopping to get the kind of wardrobe that works for me. Hopefully it means that my clients will also trust me not to be flippant with their pennies too!
I have had this Jigsaw dress for a few years now and whilst I like the print on it, I am not overly keen on the style on the top half.
The length wasn’t right either (it was a little long = frumpy!) so a year or so ago I had it shortened and today I put a new navy polo from Cos over the top of it, which effectively turned it into a skirt.
I also put it with these Lotta Beccles boots from Clarks (£69.99) for which I had a voucher and so got 20% off.
The boots are very similar to a pair from Oasis which I showed you earlier in the week but for me, at least, they are much more comfortable. Since these photos were taken I have tightened the buckle on the ankle so they now fit a little more snuggly.
Here’s a closer look at the boots. For me they work because a) they have a decent height heel but it’s not too high b) the block heel is sturdy (oh so practical) and c) they have the cushioning inside for comfort. OK, so I may be sounding practically ancient now but these things matter – especially when on your feet all day.
Here also is a closer look at the jumper. In all honesty I am not sure that this image would inspire anyone to go and buy one, so it’s a good job that I saw it in real life first! Frankly this girl looks like she needs a good meal and a laugh. However, it is a great staple and whilst at £59 it’s not the cheapest, it is 100% wool and I have always found Cos knitwear to wash and wear really well. It’s also fairly short, which makes it good to wear with skirts and high waisted jeans.
Even if the print, knit or boots wouldn’t work for you, the combination of dress or skirt/knit/ankle boots might be worth a try in some other form. It’s a nice alternative to skinny jeans, not too smart and with a vest and long sleeve top layered underneath the knit, is cosy too. (OK, so now I’m sounding 100!)
Very nice outfit – you look great :-)And now I'm intrigued to know what the top half of the dress is like (and why you're not so keen on it!)
Hi Thea – Thank you! Oh, it's fine really – v neck, no sleeves, slight gathering under the bust – just more up to date styled this way!
Love the boots, I bought two pairs in Clarks with the 20% voucher and yes, they are lovely! I saw a pair of studded ankle boots in Next today, so so tempted. I've been looking for those leopard skin shoes that you recommended, not in any Next shop anywhere. They are lovely, but I'm not opening a Next account so I can order online, it's so annoying they make their customers do that!
Hi! Ooh, which ones did you get? I really like some of the Next boots this season but you are right about it being annoying that you have to open a Next account to get access to their online stock. It doesn't make sense either!
I've been tempted by those boots, in tan. However I was put off by the heel, it looks high in the pictures. Could they work as a school run, out and about on errands and university traipsing lifestyle? I really love Clarks shoes for comfort, especially their heels, so maybe I'm being over cautious.
Hi Gemma – I traipsed around in them for hours, on their first wear too, and they were fine. I could wear them quite happily all day but I suppose it depends how happy you are in a bit of a heel. I wouldn't want to have to run to school in them but they are fine for a quick trot!
I would never think to put a jumper over a dress but now I will! Love the boots too, and gain, like the way you wear them. If I had them, I would just wear them with jeans… I need to be more adventurous!
Hi Kathy – Go on, you show those Cornish ladies how it's done!
Absolutely LOVE this look; you look really elegant but not overdone. Thanks for the inspiration! Now if I see a dress where I like the print but not the top half I know what to do 😉
Hi! So pleased that you like it. I don't like parting with pieces that I still like (even if it's only part of them) so being a bit creative with them can sometimes work wonders. Time to stock up on those knits!
I wish Cos would update their website…all the models look so drab the images don't really show the clothes in their true light! I think you should pass on some tips to them regarding styling!
Hi Sharon – I know what you mean – it's such a shame because I don't think that they really do themselves any favours and it puts people off. We should do an alternative one!